Surabaya, October 18, 2025 — The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), successfully held the Fish Cooking Competition (FCC) as part of the Fishtech Career Festival, organized by the Fisheries Product Technology Student Association (HIMATEKHIKAN). The event took place in the courtyard of FPK UNAIR and aimed to enhance students’ skills in fish product processing, encourage creativity in seafood-based culinary innovation, and strengthen bonds among students from different academic years.
A total of seven teams, each consisting of three participants from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts, took part in the competition. Each team was challenged to transform catfish (Pangasius sp.) into an innovative dish that was not only delicious and hygienic but also visually appealing and commercially viable. The event officially began at 08.00 AM with opening remarks from the Vice Chairperson of HIMATEKHIKAN and the supervising lecturer, followed by the main cooking session, which lasted for 90 minutes.
The judging panel consisted of lecturers from the Department of Fisheries Product Technology and senior students experienced in culinary innovation and entrepreneurship. Evaluation criteria included innovation, taste, cleanliness, presentation, and optimal utilization of fish-based ingredients. The competition atmosphere was lively and engaging, filled with enthusiasm from both participants and spectators who came to support their peers. Each team showcased a unique creation, combining technical precision with artistic presentation, turning simple raw materials into culinary masterpieces.
After a thorough evaluation, the judges announced the top three winners. First place was awarded to Team 2 from the 2025 cohort, second place went to Team 2 from the 2023 cohort, and third place was achieved by Team 1 from the 2024 cohort. Each winning team received certificates of appreciation and special prizes from the organizing committee. The event concluded at 12.00 PM with the announcement of winners, an award ceremony, and a group photo session. The closing moment also marked a collaboration with TEKAT (Talented Fisheries Product Technology) — a program that promotes innovation and student creativity in applied learning activities.
The Fish Cooking Competition (FCC) not only served as an avenue for students to express their creativity but also as a practical learning platform that integrates culinary arts, food safety, and entrepreneurship. The event demonstrated that innovation in fish product processing is key to supporting the development of sustainable marine-based industries. By experimenting with flavors, textures, and sustainable raw materials, participants learned how to combine science with artistry — an essential skill for future professionals in the field of fisheries technology.
Through this competition, HIMATEKHIKAN and FPK UNAIR aim to cultivate a generation of students who are innovative, entrepreneurial, and environmentally conscious, ready to contribute to Indonesia’s fisheries sector through sustainable value-added product development. The success of FCC 2025 further strengthens FPK UNAIR’s commitment to promoting creative education, student collaboration, and marine-based innovation that aligns with global sustainability goals.
